Yes, one of the regular PW experts always with sage advice.

Agree,  one of the most knowledgeable and helpful  guys on OGR forum. 

Brewman1973 posted:

Agree,  one of the most knowledgeable and helpful  guys on OGR forum. 

For sure. And never gets nasty, rude or snippy at all. Which is kinda refreshing.

OK BURF, what is going on with you?

@C W Burfle 

This should send him an email. Beacon signal for CW

JD2035RR posted:

@C W Burfle 

This should send him an email. Beacon signal for CW

Ha, I never thought about that possible connection (amateur radio). 

Here's the most recent post I found from C W.  Hope he is well and just taking a break from the forum.  I've done that from time to time.  

Farmer_Bill posted:

Ha, I never thought about that possible connection (amateur radio). 

Here's the most recent post I found from C W.  Hope he is well and just taking a break from the forum.  I've done that from time to time.  

When hovering over his screen name, it also shows he visited more recently.  Still October 8th, but almost a month more recent than the September post.

Hopefully he's just been busy.

-Dave

Still nothing from burfle. I see his email is gone, but he visited on 11/7

Guess just wants a break, understandably. Had a few questions for him, he's one of the best here imho.

Again, more than anything hope all is well.

I too hope he is okay. I enjoy reading his posts on this forum.

His last visit to another train forum was on 14sep18.

He hasn’t posted lately, but according to his profile page, his last visit was four hours ago, so he is reading. 

If he last read/checked-in within the past 4 hours, it may be logical to assume that he surfs the forums of his choice. That so, very likely he's seen this thread expressing concern as to his well-being.

Then why no replies?

Not known.

A possible scenario could be that someone REALLY offended him and he's simply chosen to abstain from public posting now. That so, it would be a personal choice, and one that I would certainly understand and respect.

I hope that is not the case. I always viewed him as a good guy, and his knowledge is without question. However, if it's NOT the case, then I haven't any other ideas as to the absence. It's all speculation anyway, so until (if) we hear from CW himself, we'll simply not know.

Andre

Hey CW - where ya been?  Have always found your posts to be informative & helpful.  Come back soon!

While he did not post anything, he checked in 18 hours ago.

Steve

All this speculation, and none of it is any of our business.

John H posted:

All this speculation, and none of it is any of our business.

Well no it isn't but folks happen to care if everything is ok with him.  We get used to folks being here ad when they don't post for a while there is a genuine concern for them.  I imagine if he's ok he'll let someone know.  It's nice to see that folks do care about their fellow forumites.

MartyE posted:

John H posted:

All this speculation, and none of it is any of our business.

Well no it isn't but folks happen to care if everything is ok with him.  We get used to folks being here ad when they don't post for a while there is a genuine concern for them.  I imagine if he's ok he'll let someone know.  It's nice to see that folks do care about their fellow forumites.

You're correct Marty. I'm certainly not trying to pry into his personal life. But like you said, when you see somebody that's usually very active disappear, it does make you worry about it. He's one of the nicest guys on the Forum, and very knowledgeable. He's helped me several times. And many times without him even knowing it, just by reading his post. I made it a point  that whenever I saw a post from him I read it. Because it was always good stuff. And even if he didn't agree with somebody, he would always deliver it in a friendly and positive fashion. In my opinion he, along with many others, was the best of the forumites. Because we all know there are some real winners out there. And we all get to know who they are, I don't even have to open a post from some of them, and I know it's nasty. Sometimes I do open a them  just to confirm my thoughts, and darn near every time I was right.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! And you too CW if you read this

CW always struck me as a methodical, intelligent guy. Doesn’t make sense he wouldn’t give a quick response to ease our minds. I really hope he is okay. Not to be negative, but someone in his family could be pursuing his PC. I just hope I’m totally wrong!

Rich

It is sort of un-normal for CW. He has been here for many years. CW, if you read this, just drop a note you're OK and just taking a break.

Chuck, you read my mind.

CW is a good soul with a generous heart. Hope he is well.

Should anyone care to find out if CW is OK, it would be difficult. He's never reveled his true identity in a post picture or otherwise.  He's conceals his identity . Typically, only a person that has something to hide operates this way.

Dennis LaGrua posted:

Should anyone care to find out if CW is OK, it would be difficult. He's never reveled his true identity in a post picture or otherwise. 

In CW's case, I don't believe it's an attempt to hide anything from anybody in a malicious way. Several people on the forum do know his true identity (I am NOT one of them) so perhaps at some point one of them will be able/willing to provide a brief "wellness check." I'm sure CW would be grateful for the expressions of concern.

Thank you, Allan.

John

Maybe...he's just playing with his trains!!!  Something I think I'll go do now

The fact that he's checked in and most likely read this post about himself,  but not responded to anyone makes me believe at this point he's just playing the game.....

Dennis LaGrua posted:

Should anyone care to find out if CW is OK, it would be difficult. He's never reveled his true identity in a post picture or otherwise.  He's conceals his identity . Typically, only a person that has something to hide operates this way.

I opearate that way myself.  I have nothing to hide.  I prefer to not be a showboat of any sort.  I feel he's just the same 

Chuck Sartor posted:

It is sort of un-normal for CW. He has been here for many years. CW, if you read this, just drop a note you're OK and just taking a break.

10-4. He's definitely one we don't want to lose.  A few others might not be a problem! 😀

Dennis LaGrua posted:

Should anyone care to find out if CW is OK, it would be difficult. He's never reveled his true identity in a post picture or otherwise.  He's conceals his identity . Typically, only a person that has something to hide operates this way.

He could be a ninja.

Dennis LaGrua posted:

...Typically, only a person that has something to hide operates this way.

And then we have a guy who posts pictures of his naked feet on the forum, and we beg for more...  

dkdkrd posted:

Good grief....shades of 1987: "Where's Waldo?"

Why not do as I've seen in highway postings in Floriduh...a "Silver Alert"?  Create a forum category for it?

Just a thought.

Why don't you just go away if it doesn't concern you 

Just a thought..... 

No need to reply since this bothers you. Go prep your turkey 

Still though, happy Thanksgiving !

And don't forget to put gizzards in the stuffing.  It's known as brain food! 

Dennis LaGrua posted:

Should anyone care to find out if CW is OK, it would be difficult. He's never reveled his true identity in a post picture or otherwise.  He's conceals his identity . Typically, only a person that has something to hide operates this way.

I think many people just don't want to plaster their personal info all over the internet.  I am one of those myself and I have nothing to hide. 

There are many scammers, ID thieves, etc. and I believe in keeping private as much as one can these days. I am a bit more exposed here because I know and trust a lot of the people here and this is a very good group of folks. Privacy has more to do with it rather than having something to hide.

Dennis LaGrua posted:

Should anyone care to find out if CW is OK, it would be difficult. He's never reveled his true identity in a post picture or otherwise.  He's conceals his identity . Typically, only a person that has something to hide operates this way.

Well, I guess if you post a picture of yourself that means you are guaranteed honest and a good person.  I've never met him, but I certainly don't want to form a public opinion of him based on seeing his picture.

I've seen lots of pictures of politicians in suits, smiling and holding babies.   We know how a lot of them turn out.

dkdkrd posted:

Good grief....shades of 1987: "Where's Waldo?"

Why not do as I've seen in highway postings in Floriduh...a "Silver Alert"?  Create a forum category for it?

Just a thought.

I think it's to easier avoid opening those threads that I'm not interested in, or don't want to hear about.  

Doesn't mean that other people shouldn't be allowed to discuss those subjects. 

P.S.  i always thought C.W. was a good guy with wise info.

Dennis LaGrua posted:

Should anyone care to find out if CW is OK, it would be difficult. He's never reveled his true identity in a post picture or otherwise.  He's conceals his identity . Typically, only a person that has something to hide operates this way.

Sorry but that isn't the case with most. With most they don't want the spam e-mails etc that you get. Before you say not from here, your wrong because I have gotten spam from actual forum members in the past. Yes this forum. Now it's been over a year but it has happened. Some folks just like privacy. 

Maybe he's just tired of seeing all of the complaints and arguments on the forum lately,heck even this one has gone off track. It just might be he's taking a break or decided not to contribute anymore. I hope all is well with him and someday decides to return.

Doug

I'm sorry to have to update this thread with the news that "C.W." passed away this week from complications after a stroke. I've been privileged to have known "C.W." for many years here in the Albany NY area where he shared his expert knowledge in postwar repair and was active in many train related activities.

He was a good guy who simply prided himself in maintaining an anonymous presence online. I will continue to respect that in his passing, although most of us in the Albany Capital district have known him, and many others of you might remember him from the old auctions at the York train show at which he often volunteered.

As you all know, his desire for privacy didn't stop him from jumping in to help his fellow forumites and he will be missed here. We have lost a tremendous source of knowledge of all things postwar.

My prayers and condolences to his friends and family. 

Jim

Man, that's too bad.  RIP, C.W.

May he rest in peace.  Playing with, and riding all the trains he ever wanted.

Thanks for the bad news Jim.  I'll be praying for CW at Mass tomorrow morning.  May he RIP.

RIP. One of the forum good guys.

He will be missed.

Thank you Jim. Our condolences and prayers to his family. 

I believe this is his obituary in the Albany newspaper for those who are interested.  He also was a long time participant in the old AOL boards.

https://www.legacy.com/obituar...75111&fhid=27355

So sad. I never met him, but felt like I knew him just a bit. Sure seemed like a good guy. My condolences to his family should they happen to read this. 

George

RIP, C. W.

Thanks for letting us know, Jim.  My thoughts and prayers for him and his family.

-Greg

Prayers and condolences to the family of Charles Sigadel. You certainly offered good opinions and things to say on this forum. Now that you have gone home, may the Lord of Israel look kindly upon you.

Jim, Thank you for providing the update, sad though it is. 

And to C.W., riding the shiny rails in the sky, thank you for all the knowledge you shared on this forum. You will be missed.

My condolences to his family.

Chris

LVHR

62 is way too young.  Condolences to “CW’s” family and friends.

Curt

My condolences to CW and his family. We had many wonderful email exchanges over the years. Miketg

RIP CW. I remember back in the eighties he used to advertise in Model Railroader about buying complete train collections. I sold him some stuff back then long before I Knew him as CW.

My condolences to his family. Too bad I never knew who he was other than CWBURFLE.

From AOL to OGR, always enjoyed his posts. My sympathies to the family.

Paul

Sad news, he will be missed.

I only recently learned of CW's medical condition and certainly am very sorry to hear of his passing. Thanks to my friend and valued OGR contributor, Jim Policastro, for sharing the sad news with our forum family. My sincere condolences CW's family and many friends. His contributions to this forum will continue to be sorely missed.

So sorry to hear about this, May he rest in peace and run trains with the best, till we meet him.

Prayers!!!

Prayers up, for CW, and his family.

This is sad news. I had hoped he was just away on vacation. Condolences and prayers to his family.

Thank you Jim for sharing the news and Landsteiner for the obituary.  

George

R.I.P. CW.

Charlie (CW Burfle) became a regular customer of mine after I purchased the late Ted Nyerges' screw business. He had been a long-time customer of Ted's previously to that.  I did not know that CW and Charlie were one and the same person.

AN honorable, decent, always professional and kind fellow, he will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him or did business with him..  I'd never met him in person, and was quite surprised to hear that he was only 62 when he passed.  But, as my dear Mother used to say, when good people died, "The world is a poorer place now"....  how true.   My deepest sympathies to all of Charlie's family and friends.

Len Carparelli

Didn't he have a shop called Train City?

Chuck Sartor posted:

Didn't he have a shop called Train City?

Chuck, I believe you're thinking of Charles Siegel, who operates Train City in Florida.

Ron

Jim Policastro posted:

I'm sorry to have to update this thread with the news that "C.W." passed away this week from complications after a stroke. I've been privileged to have known "C.W." for many years here in the Albany NY area where he shared his expert knowledge in postwar repair and was active in many train related activities.

He was a good guy who simply prided himself in maintaining an anonymous presence online. I will continue to respect that in his passing, although most of us in the Albany Capital district have known him, and many others of you might remember him from the old auctions at the York train show at which he often volunteered.

As you all know, his desire for privacy didn't stop him from jumping in to help his fellow forumites and he will be missed here. We have lost a tremendous source of knowledge of all things postwar.

My prayers and condolences to his friends and family. 

Jim

Landsteiner posted:

I believe this is his obituary in the Albany newspaper for those who are interested.  He also was a long time participant in the old AOL boards.

8< snip >8

1st, I will add to the list of those who say he will be missed.  He was definitely one of the best forum members in terms of PW knowledge(and IIRC, he had a very good command of MPC items as well), and as others have said, he was always very willing to share that knowledge in a friendly way. 

Thanks to Jim for letting us know (without defeating CW's wishes now that he has passed).

I guess those who are not like minded in wishing to remain private/anonymous just cannot understand.  So now we all know his true identity. 

For the few who it turned out did know him personally by his real name, I suppose it's a connecting of dots that now makes more sense to them. There were some trying to connect the dots before his passing, attempts that he seemed in general to not be interested in.

Obviously he had local close friends in real life who knew, such as Jim.  For those of us who did not, did seeing the actual obit actually change anything other than violating CW's wishes to remain anonymous?

-Dave

Dave,

It was nice to know a little about him and to be able to pay proper respects. I hope he isn’t angry with us for this. Clearly folks noticed when he stopped posting and were worried. He connected with folks here, anonymous or not.

George

I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. I enjoyed his posts here and agreed with pretty much all of them. I did not know him personally but wish I did. My sincerest condolences to his friends and family. 

Thanks for posting the information regarding his passing Jim. CW was a productive contributor with a positive attitude and helpful knowledge. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and friends.

i've written a few obits for family members.  be aware, if you leave it up to a funeral home (they will gladly do this for you), it will turn out to mostly be an ad for their business.  but once in a while reading a string like this (not the first time i've seen a "whereabouts unknown" post), i wonder if i should take care of this in my will;  a final post so to speak.   i have a pair of nephews who certainly understand internet forums and how they work.  one of them i have already appointed to be my executor anyway.

something to think about.

C.W. was always a gentleman. My thoughts and prayers to him and his family. I didn’t know him personally, but respected him, and enjoyed his posts. He will be missed.

Andy 

Didn't he have a shop called Train City?

Chuck, I believe you're thinking of Charles Siegel, who operates Train City in Florida.

Ron

Thanks Ron, I guess I was. Very similar names.

While Charlie was always a humble man who never flaunted his considerable knowledge and ability in the toy train field, he nevertheless deserves recognition for the number of people he has helped and befriended over the years both in person and on the forum.

I'm sure he would grudgingly admit that it is right and proper at this time to allow those who knew him as Charlie and those who only knew him as C. W. to join together in honoring his memory here on the forum.

Jim

I'm really bummed.  Although I do not know him personally , I could tell he was a really nice guy. This really stinks. Prayers to his family.

I'd like to offer my condolences to his family.

My sincere condolences to Charlie's family and close friends, it's sad to hear he is gone well before his time!  He was always a gentleman in his dealings, he will be missed.

My condolences as well............

Sad news.  My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.

That is   V  E R Y  sad new to hear and read about C.W. Burfle............yes indeed, age 62  is way too young, but it must be the Almighty's' plan.

I'll miss his posts........

May he rest in peace.

Peter

Charlie was the same age as I am.  So sorry to learn he passed.  May he rest in peace.

Very sorry to hear this. Did not know Charlie, but always enjoyed his posts. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Pat

Truly sad news.  CW was always a great contributing member to this forum and its members.  My most sincere condolences and prayers go out to Charlie's family and friends.

This indeed is sad news and I also will add my heartfelt condolences for his family & friends.

Very sad news to lose someone so young. He helped me with a couple of questions I had with PW repairs. Obviously, from the many comments on this forum, he will be missed.

Jim Policastro posted:

While Charlie was always a humble man who never flaunted his considerable knowledge and ability in the toy train field, he nevertheless deserves recognition for the number of people he has helped and befriended over the years both in person and on the forum.

I'm sure he would grudgingly admit that it is right and proper at this time to allow those who knew him as Charlie and those who only knew him as C. W. to join together in honoring his memory here on the forum.

Jim

 

I think the key word there, Jim, is "grudgingly!" I debated about making a post after learning of his passing from the online care page maintained by Charlie's wife, but wasn't quite sure if and when to do it for a friend who wanted to maintain a degree of online anonymity.

We started corresponding in the early 1990's, and he was a great guy with which to share info. It's always a more enjoyable hobby when guys like this are around!

My favorite OGR posts from Charlie are when he would respond in a single thread as both CW Burfle and his "regular" persona, CharlieS. I don't know if it was unintentional, or if he was just having fun.

TRW

I echo the comments above about his being a knowledgeable gentleman who also had a sense of humor.  I never saw a post of his that wasn't worth reading.  My prayers go out for his family and friends.

A great source of knowledge for many of us. He is already missed. My thoughts and prayers were for him and his family today. 

God Bless and High Ball. May you be "Green lighted" to your new home. May God Bless your surviving Family.

Sad to hear the passing of C.W. ,a fellow hobbyist whom I never met in person,but enjoyed his posts and knowledge .

May God Bless his family at this time .

My sincere condolences to Charles’ family and friends. 

Even though I didn’t know him personally or converse with him very often, I still feel the loss being part of this forum’s community. May he be with God and his family find peace and comfort. 

Always admired his postwar knowledge and experience, CW is probably well involved in the celestial forum, sharing good times with Nicole {N.Q.D.Y.) and others, constructing a grand spiritual layout.

I can't even be sad. I'm still too busy being angry 

Thanks anyhow Jim.

C.W. was a great presence here since almost the beginning.  I will miss him.

Jon

This is very sad news.  CW was always helpful, knowledgeable, and a gentleman here on the forum.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family who lost a wonderful guy.

He directly helped me fix a bad smoke unit in my son's Lionel 2026.  He also helped me indirectly, numerous times, through all of his posts on this forum over the years.  I'm sure his existing posts will continue to help me and all of us for many years into the future.  His presence will be missed though.

Just a thought for those of you who knew him in person, after this thread slows down, consider printing out this thread to share with his family.  It might be comforting for them to hear how highly regarded he was around here.

Would like to offer my condolences to his family and friends. His posts were always a must read for the knowledge he was so ready to share with us. Always learned something from his posts.

My condolences. I talked a lot of postwar & MPC with him over the years. As others have said - he always came across as  very nice person willing to lend info or a helping hand. May he rest in peace.

  What a vacuum his loss creates.  As jon says above, "..since almost from the beginning...". 

Truly sad to read.

Condolences to friends and family.

This forum is the poorer for his loss! My condolences to his family and friends! He is missed!

My condolences 

Alex 

My condolences to CW's family I remember his posts on here and they were always helpful and polite. He will be missed.

Very sorry to hear this.

My Condolences...  very sorry to hear...

Sad to lose one of the good guys. Condolences to his family.

I think the large number of responses on this thread is a testimony to the impact which CW had on the members of this forum.  There is no question he made more than just a significant contribution to the body of work posted here.  He and his contribution will be terribly missed.  Rest In Peace CW.

Sad news indeed.  He always seemed quick witted and very knowledgeable.  There is a kind of immortality on the internet that makes it seem more shocking to find out that someone has passed.  RIP CW, you will be missed!

Sad to hear when one of the fellow posters passes.  Tough to think about it. 

I can certainly relate to the feeling of loss for people who have contributed to the hobby and the forum, and hate it.  I don't want "nice guys finish last" verified. Immediately recognized the "handle".  

My sincerest condolences to his family.  I did not know CW, but always enjoyed his posts.  He will be missed 

My condolences to Charles' friends and family.  I am stunned to learn of his passing. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading CW's posts. He was a great teacher and I learned a lot regarding maintaining and restoring trains just from reading his posts. When he offered suggestions on some of my questions, it was like little tablets handed down from Mount Sinai.  

I sometimes wondered if CW Burfle was his actual name. Now that he has passed and we learn his real name, Charles Sigadel,  it reminds me of Ray L. Plummer who wrote many repair articles for Classic Toy Trains and authored several books as well. It was only after he passed, that we learned that Ray Plummer was actually John Grams, a college professor.  Model Railroader magazine also had authors that used nicknames (Boomer Pete and Ray L. Rhodes).  CTT editor Dick Christianson  said that Ray Plummer's name was a take on "rail plummer -- A crotchety old toy train repair-guy who prefers the 'classic' toy trains of the prewar and postwar period".

I am a few years older than CW but I know we had similar tastes in TV shows (like the Addams Family). I wonder if Charles selected the name "Burfle" from the TV show Laugh In, where Ferd Burfle was the "good friend and trusted neighbor" of the Farkle Family.  Maybe a bit obscure, but CW was, indeed a good friend and trusted neighbor here on the OGR forum.  CW was our postwar and MPC train repair guy and he will be missed. 

 Charles, Rest in Peace, 

My condolences to CW's family his posts were knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful rest in peace

RIP CW, your post were always among the best.

It is amazing that CW has received such warm praise from so many here.  I knew him well enough to know that he deserved it all.  What I did not know was how many people would speak so well of him,  given that he was a quiet person, in the sense of simply being helpful.  I can only add another such story, although dimmed by the passage of time.  There was an earlier board, which was somewhat unruly.  We met face-to-face in one of the York halls one day, at his table.  He greeted me by name, having read it off my tag, saying he had always wanted to meet me in person. 

Somehow he knew that I had a train set my parents, aunt and uncle had given me at some expense.  It was the 1950 Anniversary set with the orange Alco F's, the freight, the orange boxes.  In a short four years I would have totally different interests.  He also knew, I cannot remember how, that I had literally run the wheels off the engine-- the motor truck had oilite bearings, but the trailing truck did not, so the contact slider for the coupler was hanging up in switches.  He had a brand new truck block casting; I didn't even know how he found it.  He must have brought it to York after York.  Of course, he would take nothing for it.

He said it was his way of thanking me for not taking part in the unkind comments made at times in that bygone forum.  I remember rather than criticizing one of the new control systems, I had tried to sort out some of the problems.  It was a bit of an effort, and I thought passing the 70th post, if I ever got to 100 posts, it would be too much.  Now I had dragged my feet on this repair, and given the sacrifice made to give me this engine, I had wanted it to be a like-new repair, although I don't recall ever saying this to anyone.  Perhaps I said something about the circumstances of receiving the set; he did follow my posts.  I only checked that once, and then only two did so.

And of course, now too late, I wonder if I ever thanked him enough for his thoughtfulness.  Perhaps I gave an impression of lost youth, having been 20 years an Army brat and having had 20 homes in 10 states in 4 nations on 3 continents in that time.  Did I say 8 schools and 3 high schools?  But I seldom mention that, not here that I recall.  Did CW realize that the train was the only working artifact of those years?  Once a college friend asked me how I'd managed those years with parents and family so far away.  I thought, no, the problem is that one loses friends too easily.  A failure to take the time to write a few words is the problem; it is hard to do so well.

I can only be glad that I have had the help of so many here in their kind words for CW.  For myself, I can only feel that I have fallen short, and will have only burdened his family by the length of this post.  But my friends will justly take me to task for that.

--Frank Maguire

Frank, That is a beautiful tribute! It really captures the helpful nature of CW.  I was hoping to get to York again and try and meet CW. Your story tells me it would have been a wonderful experience. 

Wow …. I missed this discussion. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing, and well before his time.

CW helped me resurrect a PW 2046 set and accessories that had been up in a family attic for decades, for my kids. So eager to help me. That was many, many years ago here at OGR, and I've enjoyed his posts ever since. 

You are missed CW. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones and close friends.

Jim

I came upon this info late and by accident.  CW Burfle was unknown to me except as a poster of terrific help and information.  I always read his posts because he had excellent knowledge of all things Postwar Lionel.  My condolences to his family and friends.  First, Barry Broskowitz and now CW, how saddening.  The forum has lost two great ones. 

CW is still helping me since I just posted about repairing the rocket launcher of the USMC #45 rocket car.  Someone directed me to one of his posts.   He will live forever in my mind. 

We all can extend their memories by helpful and polite posts to help  others that we don't know except through the forum.  

May the Lord bless CW's family and grant them peace.  

My condolences to his family and friends as well. I always enjoyed CW's posts, he had great knowledge of many things and always provided good help and advice to everyone. We have lost another wonderful contributor here and he will certainly be missed. Way too many are leaving us.

The late, great comedian, W.C. Fields, was fond of inventing funny sounding names like Effingham Hoofnagle. I once asked CW if he was a fan of Fields, since Burfle sounded Fieldsian to me, but he was not. I later learned his forum name was a pseudonym. He will be missed!

A tribute I wrote in 2001 when we lost a member of the North Central O Gaugers.  Appropriate, I feel...…….     CW will be long missed for a very long time.  God bless.

Jesse

texastrain posted:

A tribute I wrote in 2001 when we lost a member of the North Central O Gaugers.  Appropriate, I feel...…….     CW will be long missed for a very long time.  God bless.

Jesse

That’s a powerful tribute, Jesse. Beautifully written. 

Jim Policastro posted:

I'm sorry to have to update this thread with the news that "C.W." passed away this week from complications after a stroke. I've been privileged to have known "C.W." for many years here in the Albany NY area where he shared his expert knowledge in postwar repair and was active in many train related activities.

He was a good guy who simply prided himself in maintaining an anonymous presence online. I will continue to respect that in his passing, although most of us in the Albany Capital district have known him, and many others of you might remember him from the old auctions at the York train show at which he often volunteered.

As you all know, his desire for privacy didn't stop him from jumping in to help his fellow forumites and he will be missed here. We have lost a tremendous source of knowledge of all things postwar.

My prayers and condolences to his friends and family. 

Jim

Just seeing this....truly sad news. 

Thank you, JD...…..

F Maguire posted:

It is amazing that CW has received such warm praise from so many here.  I knew him well enough to know that he deserved it all.  What I did not know was how many people would speak so well of him,  given that he was a quiet person, in the sense of simply being helpful.  I can only add another such story, although dimmed by the passage of time.  There was an earlier board, which was somewhat unruly.  We met face-to-face in one of the York halls one day, at his table.  He greeted me by name, having read it off my tag, saying he had always wanted to meet me in person. 

Somehow he knew that I had a train set my parents, aunt and uncle had given me at some expense.  It was the 1950 Anniversary set with the orange Alco F's, the freight, the orange boxes.  In a short four years I would have totally different interests.  He also knew, I cannot remember how, that I had literally run the wheels off the engine-- the motor truck had oilite bearings, but the trailing truck did not, so the contact slider for the coupler was hanging up in switches.  He had a brand new truck block casting; I didn't even know how he found it.  He must have brought it to York after York.  Of course, he would take nothing for it.

He said it was his way of thanking me for not taking part in the unkind comments made at times in that bygone forum.  I remember rather than criticizing one of the new control systems, I had tried to sort out some of the problems.  It was a bit of an effort, and I thought passing the 70th post, if I ever got to 100 posts, it would be too much.  Now I had dragged my feet on this repair, and given the sacrifice made to give me this engine, I had wanted it to be a like-new repair, although I don't recall ever saying this to anyone.  Perhaps I said something about the circumstances of receiving the set; he did follow my posts.  I only checked that once, and then only two did so.

And of course, now too late, I wonder if I ever thanked him enough for his thoughtfulness.  Perhaps I gave an impression of lost youth, having been 20 years an Army brat and having had 20 homes in 10 states in 4 nations on 3 continents in that time.  Did I say 8 schools and 3 high schools?  But I seldom mention that, not here that I recall.  Did CW realize that the train was the only working artifact of those years?  Once a college friend asked me how I'd managed those years with parents and family so far away.  I thought, no, the problem is that one loses friends too easily.  A failure to take the time to write a few words is the problem; it is hard to do so well.

I can only be glad that I have had the help of so many here in their kind words for CW.  For myself, I can only feel that I have fallen short, and will have only burdened his family by the length of this post.  But my friends will justly take me to task for that.

--Frank Maguire

Not sure if the family reads this. Imagine if they received cards with these warm words in them.

I just saw the post regarding C.W. Burfle's passing as well.  My condolences to his family and friends.  He will be greatly missed here...

Jim Policastro posted:

I'm sorry to have to update this thread with the news that "C.W." passed away this week from complications after a stroke. I've been privileged to have known "C.W." for many years here in the Albany NY area where he shared his expert knowledge in postwar repair and was active in many train related activities.

He was a good guy who simply prided himself in maintaining an anonymous presence online. I will continue to respect that in his passing, although most of us in the Albany Capital district have known him, and many others of you might remember him from the old auctions at the York train show at which he often volunteered.

As you all know, his desire for privacy didn't stop him from jumping in to help his fellow forumites and he will be missed here. We have lost a tremendous source of knowledge of all things postwar.

My prayers and condolences to his friends and family. 

Jim

I just caught up with my in box and am saddened by the news of C.W.'s passing. He was very generous and kind with me in my earliest months on the  OGR Forum. His knowledge and advice was always spot on and insightful. To say I learned a lot from him is an under statement. He was a frequent contributor to our  "Motor of the Week" contest and won his fair share of times. More importantly, he freely tutored me in my earliest days in this wonderful hobby of ours, despite my slowness to learn. May his kind and open heart experience eternal joy, and may his bereft family be comforted by the gift of his life.